Boot and shoe cleaning and polishing machine.



E. E. LINBBAOK. BOOT AND SHOE CLEANING AND POLISHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1905. 1,01 9,672. Patented Mar. 5, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Witnesses COLUMBIA PLANOuRAPH cu WASHINGTON. u. C,

E. E. LINEBAGK.

BOOT AND SHOE CLEANING AND POLISHING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED MAY 2,1905.

1,01 9,672. Patented Mar. 5, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET. 2.

uou'mum ILANOGRAI'II c0.. WASHINGTON. u. c.

E. E. LINBBAGK. BOOT AND SHOE CLEANING AND POLISHING MAOHINB.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1906.

Patented Mar. 5, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

COLUMBIA PLANOIJIIAFM (0., WASHINGTON, u. c

E. B. LINEBAGK. .BQOT AND SHOE CLEANING AND POLISHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1905. 1,01 9,672.

Patented Mar. 5, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHBET 4.

UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD EVANOUS LINEBACK, OF WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA, ASSIGNOR, BYDIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, OF ONE-SIXTH TO JOSEPH E. ALEXANDER ANDFIVE-SIXTHS TO WILLIAM D. CURB-IN, F WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA.

BOOT AND SHOE CLEANING AND POLISHING MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD Evanoos LINEBACK, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Winston Salem, in the county of Forsyth and State ofNorth Carolina, have invented a new and useful Boot and Shoe Cleaningand Polishing Machine, of

1 which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in boot and shoe cleaning andpolishing mechanisms.

The object of the invention is the provision of means for facilitatingthe cleaning and polishing of a surface, preferably a boot or shoe.

With this and other objects in view, the invention consists of certainother novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, aswill be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, and more particularly pointed out in the claims heretoappended.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective View of a mechanismconstructed in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is afragmentary, top plan view of the mechanism depicted in Fig. 1, therotary brushes being removed. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, top plan View ofthe gearing and the cam wheels, which are capable of vertically moving afoot rest; the adjusting means for the slides carrying. the rotarybrushes being partly shown. Fig. 1 is a fragmentary View, in sideelevation of the mechanism, taken on line 4, 4, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is afragmentary view, in elevation, of the mechanism taken on line 5, 5,Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view, in front elevation, of themechanism taken on line 6, 6, Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a section through Fig. 2on line 7-7. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail fragmentary perspective view,showing the shoe support and spraying tubes and associated parts.

My cleaning and polishing mechanism is placed in operation by anysuitable device, which throws a switch electrically connected to a motorwhich drives the gearing of the mechanism.

The mechanism comprises a frame, which is provided with horizontally andvertically movable foot supports, and with stationary and adjustable,rotatable brushes. Let er actuated means isemployed for moving theSpecification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 2, 1905.

Patented Mar. 5, 1912.

Serial No. 258,565.

adjustable, rotatable brushes relative to the size of the boot or shoebeing cleaned and polished. A polishing liquid is contained in pressuretanks carried by the framework and is capable of being dischargedautomatically upon the boot or shoe that is to be polished.

Referring more particularly to the drawings by numerals 1, 1 designatesubstantially parallel, horizontal beams, which normally engage asupport. Upon each of the beams 1, there is mounted a shaft 2. Upon theshaft 2 a cam wheel 3 is journaled. The cam wheel 3 is provided with agear 4 and with a cam groove 5. A horizontal extension 6 is secured atthe upper end of shaft 2, Fig. 6. A sleeve 7 is formed integral withthc'extension (5. A vertically movable shaft 8 is positioned within thesleeve 7. Journaled in the lower end of the shaft 8 is a roller 9. Theroller 9 is normally in engagei'nent with the upper edge of the rim ofthe cam wheel 3. As the cam wheel 3 revolves, the roller 9 is moved downinto the cam groove 5 of the rim of said wheel, and, consequently,allows the shaft 8 to slide down within the sleeve 7. A horizontal,grooved plate 9 is fixedly secured to the upper end of the shaft 8.\Vithin the grooved portion of plate 9 is positioned the tongue 10 ofthe boot or shoe plate 11. The grooved portion of plate 9 and the tongue10 are preferably of dove-tail structure. The two cam wheels 3, 3, Figs.1 and 2, are connected by intermediate gear wheels 12 and 13. Theseintermediate wheels 12 and 13 mesh with the gears of the cam wheels.

The framework of the machine is provided with a horizontal beam 14%supported upon legs 1:"). Brackets 16, 16 are carried by the beam 14.Journaled in the brackets 16 is a drive shaft 17, which is provided atits inner end with a beveled gear 18. The shaft 17 carries a worm 19.The worm 19 meshes with a primary gear wheel 20. The primary gear wheel20 is provided with a pinion 21. The gear wheels 20 and pinion 21 arecarried by a shaft 22, Fig. 5, which is supported upon the framework. Anauxiliary gear wheel 23 meshes with the pinion 21. The auxiliary gearwheel 23 is provided with a small gear 2 1, similar to pinion 21. Anintermediate gear wheel 25 meshes with the gear wheel 24 and one of thecam wheels 3. It will be noted that when rotary movement is imparted tothe drive shaft 17, preferably by means of a motor, a train of gearswill be rotated, thereby revolving the cam wheels 3.

A slide-support 26 is supported upon the central beams 27. The ends ofthe slidesupport 26 are provided with overhanging strips 28, which,owing to the upward extension of the slide-support 26, produceguide-ways 30 at the ends of said slidesupport. Carried by theslide-support 26 are slides 31. A slide-support 32 is secured at eachend of the framework and is provided with guide-ways 30, similar to theslide-support 26. Each end slide-support carries a slide 33. All of theslides 31 and 33 are horizontally adjustable, transversely of the shoesupports. Each of the slides 31 and 33 is preferably provided with aplurality of standards 34. The standards 34 are arranged parallel uponthe slides, and each is provided with horizontally extending arms 35 and36. Within the outer ends of these arms, there is journaled a shaft 37.Fixedly secured to the upper end of each of the shafts 37 is a brush 38.Fixedly secured to the lower end of each of the shafts 37 is a pulley39, which is preferably provided with a peripheral groove 40. Each slideis preferably provided with three rotary brushes, and each set ofbrushes is capable of being adjusted toward or away from thefoot-support.

Upon the front end of each of the beams 1, there is secured a standard41, which is similarly constructed to the standards 34.

-Upon the horizontal extensions of each of these standards 41, there isjournaled a vertical shaft 42. Fixedly secured to each of the shafts 42,between the horizontal extensions of the standards 41, is a groovedpulley 43. Brushes 44 are fixedly secured to the upper ends of therevoluble shafts 42; the brushes 44 being positioned contiguous to theheel of the boot or shoe supporting plates 11. The pulleys 39 and 42 aresynchronously actuated by means of belts 45 and 46, which pass around adouble, grooved pulley 47, fixedly secured to a vertical shaft 48. Thevertical shaft 48, Fig. 4, is journaled in a bracket 49 and beam 14. Thebracket 49 is carried by beam 14. Fixedly secured to the shaft 49 isbeveled gear 50. The beveled gear 18 of the shaft 1.7 meshes with thebeveled gear 50, and, consequently, when rotary movement is imparted tothe drive shaft, similar movement will be imparted to the double pulley47, causing the belts 45 and 46 to be actuated. Each belt, in thepresent instance, preferably drives seven pulleys, six of which arecapable of horizontal adjustment. A small, grooved pulley 51, Figs. 1and 2, is carried by a bracket 52,

said pulley 51 beingengaged by belt45. A belt tightener 53, Fig. 2, isemployed. Said tightener 53 is of any ordinary structure known to theprior art.

Secured to the rear of "the horizontal beams 1, 1 are vertical standards54. Each of these standards 54 is provided with parallel, verticalextensions 55, 55, upon which is journaled a horizontal shaft 56.Fixedly secured to the forward end of each of these shafts, is a brush57. The brush 57 is preferably not formed of as stiff bristles asbrushes 38 and 44. The brushes 57 are employed for cleaning andpolishing the toe of a boot or shoe. Secured to each of the shafts 56,and preferably between the brush 57 and the inner extension 55, is apulley 58.

The pulleys 58 carried by the shafts 56 are connected by belt 59.Fixedly secured upon one of the shafts 56 is a pulley 60. Looselymounted upon shaft 56 and upon opposite sides of pulley 60 are pulleys61 and 62. Carried by the beam 14 is a horizontal shaft 63, which isprovided at its inner end with a beveled gear 64. Fixedly secured toshaft 63 is a double grooved pulley 65. Positioned upon loose pulley 61and the double grooved pulley 65, is a straight belt 66. A cross-belt-67 is also positioned upon loose pulley 62 and said pulley 65. -Uponpositioning the straight belt 66 upon the fixed pulley 60 of shaft 56,the brushes 57 will be driven in one direction, and upon positioning thecross belt 67 upon said pulley 60, the movement of said brushes 57 willbe reversed. The reversing of the movement of said brushes 57 and thecausing of the horizontal movement of the boot or shoe supporting plates11, is caused by the following mechanism. Lever 68 is pivotally mounted,as at 69. The bifurcated end 70 engages an extension 71 ofthe slidabletongue 10 carrying the boot or shoe engaging-plate 11. Secured to theopposite end of lever 68 is a slotted plate 72. A pin 73 is carried bythe gear wheel 20. The pin 73 projects through the slot of plate 72,and, as said wheel 20- rotates, said pin 73 travels longitudinally ofsaid plate within its slot. The rotation of gear wheel 20 willnecessarily swing lever 68 upon its pivot point 69, and, consequently,move the tongue 10 through the medium of the extension 71 within thegrooved portion of the plate 9. The slotted plate 72 is secured to theextensions 74 of the right hand boot or shoe support. Through the mediumof these extensions 74, when movement is imparted to the lever, slidingmovement will also be imparted to said support. It will be obvious-thatwhen the gear wheel 20 is rotated, lever 68 will be swung upon its pivotor fulcrum point, thereby causing the boot or shoe support to bereciprocated, which materially increases the efficiency of themechanism, as each of the side brushes will engage different portions ofthe surface being cleaned and polished.

Fixedly secured to the extension 71 is an angular arm 75, as seen inFigs. 1 and 5, which is provided with a bifurcated end 7 0. A pair ofslidable rods 77 is carried by the parallel extensions 55. These rodsare fixed against independent movement by means of a block 78. Fixedlysecured to the lower rod 77 are sleeves or collars 79. The bifurcatedend of the arm 75 is positioned between the sleeves 7 9. On the upperend of each of the rods 77, there is formed a loop 80. The loopedportion 80 of the upper rod 77 surrounds the straight belt 00, while thesimilar portion of the lower rod '77 surrounds the cross-belt 67. Uponthe rods being moved horizontally to their farthest inward position, bymeans of the arm 75 engaging the inner sleeve 79, the cross belt 67 willbe positioned upon the tight or fixed pulley 60, thereby driving thebrushes 57 in one direction, but as the extension 71 of the boot or shoesupport 11, carried by the left hand portion of the machine movesoutward, and the bifurcated end 75 engages the collar 79, the beltshifter will move the cross belt 67 from off of the tight pulley GO andwill position the straight belt (36 upon pulley 60, thereby reversingthe movement of the brushes 57. This reversing of the movement of thebrushes 57 is caused about every hundred revolutions of said brushes,while the brushes 38 and 4st are rotated continuously in the samedirection.

An indicating plate 80 is carried by any suitable support. A verticalshaft 81 is journaled in beam 14 and bracket 82, Figs. 2 and 1. Apointer 83 is secured to shaft 81 above the indicating plate 80. Ahandle 84 is fixedly secured preferably to the upper end of shaft 81.The handle is provided with a grip 85. By grasping the grip 85 of thehandle 84: and imparting rotary movement to shaft 81, the adjusting ofthe pointer 83 will be accomplished, so that it may designate the exactsize of the boots or she-es to be cleaned and polished. Thereby andthrough means connected to said shaft 81 and adjustable brushes, saidbrushes will be positioned so that the boots or shoes resting upon theplates 11 will be completely cleaned and shined as more clearlyhereinafter described.

Referring particularly to Fig. 3, an arm 86 is fixedly secured to shaft81, by means of a thumb-screw 87. A curved or angular arm or bar 88 isconnected by a knuckle joint to the arm 86 at 89. The arm 88 constitutesa lever, which is fulcrumed upon the framework, as at 90, Fig. 3. Theouter end of the arm or lever 88 is pivotally connected, as at 91, to arevoluble disk 92. The revo ished, this spraying is accon'iplished byluble disk is pivotally mounted upon the horizontal beam 27. The disk orcam wheel 92 is provided with cam grooves 93 and 9 1. Pins 95 aresecured to the central slides 31 and extend through the cam grooves 93and 9 1 of the disk or cam wheel 92. Connected to pins 95 areslide-adjusting rods 90. These rods are connected, as at 97, to the endslides 33. \Vhen the shaft 81 is retated, lever 88 will be swung uponits pivot or fulcrum point 90 through the medium of arm 86 and willrevolve the disk 92, causing horizontal movement of the slides 31 and33. lVhcn the disk or cam wheel 92 is revolved in the direction of thearrow, Fig. 3, middle slides will be closed together,

while the end slides are moved apart, therer by increasing the distancebetween the adjustable brushes, but when the disk is rotated in theopposite direction from that indicated by the arrow, the outer slides 33will be drawn inward and the central slides will be moved outward towardthe outer slides, thereby decreasing the distance between the adjustablebrushes. It is to be noted that the operator of the device may adjustthe brushes to accommodate the size of the shoes to be cleaned andpolished before the coin deposited in the coin controlled device, whichthrows the switch to close the circuit and start the motor.

Positioned upon the central portion of the framework of the mechanism ispre erably a pair of horizontal tanks 98, one positioned above theother. The upper tank 98 is preferably connected, through the medium ofpipe 99, to a pump 100, Fig. 12, which is employed for retaining an airpressure of about twenty pounds in the tanks. The lower tank is used asa liquid receptacle, the liquid contained therein is sprayed upon theboots or shoes that are to be polthe liquid passing through pipes 101,which pipes are connected by a three-way coupling 102 to the lower tankalso to pipes 101. The two tanks are connected by a hollow tubing 103,which also constitutes a support for the upper tank. Each pipe 10}, Fig.(3, preferably partly or entirely surrounds the foot-support. In thepipes 10 1 are apertures which are formed in the surfaces contiguous tothe foot-supports. The polishing liquid is discharged upon the boots orshoes synchronous with the positioning of the plates 11 at their lowestpoint, by reason of the rollers 9' reaching their lowest position in thecam grooves 5 formed in the rims of the cam wheels 3. The spraying ofthe liquid is caused by a device being actuated upon the boot or shoesupports reaching their lowest position to open a valve for permittingthe discharge of the liquid.

It is to be noted from the foregoing description that the slides 31 and33 are ad- &

justed by rotating the shaft 81 and that the mechanism is operated bymeans of a motor (not shown) connected to drive shaft 17.

The mechanism is provided with horizontally adjustable brushes, andVertically and horizontally movable boot or shoe supports, and with anautomatic spraying device, as well as automatic reversing means foralternately changing the movement of the brushes which clean and polishthe too or top portion of the boots or shoes.

What- I claim is:

1. A mechanism of the class described, comprising reciprocatingsupports, cam wheels for vertically moving said supports, and adjustablebrushes contiguous to said supports.

2. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a movable boot or shoe support carried by said framework,a horizontally adjustable brush carried by said framework contiguous tosaid support, a brush carried by said frame work above said support,means for driving and means for periodically reversing the movement ofsaid brush positioned above said support.

3. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of reciprocating shoe-supporting plates carried by saidframework, means for vertically moving said plates, adjustable,rotatable brushes carried by said framework contiguous to said plates,rotatable, horizontal brushes carried by said framework above saidplates, and means for periodically reversing the rotary movement of saidhorizontal brushes.

4. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of pairs of horizontal slide-supports, slides carried by saidslide-supports, rotatable brushes carried by each of said. slides, ahorizontally and vertically movable support positioned between each pairof said slides and their brushes, and means for synchronously adjustingsaid slides.

5. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a movableboot or shoe support, slides positioned upon opposite sides of saidsupport, a standard carried by each of said slides, a verticalshaftjournaled upon said standard, a brush fixedly secured to saidshaft, a pulley fixedly secured to said shaft, a belt connecting saidpulleys, means for driving said belt, and means for synchronouslyadjusting said slides relative to said boot support.

6. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of boot or shoe supports carried by said framework,horizontal brushes carried by said framework and positioned above saidboot or shoe supports, means connected to said brushes for rotating themsynchronously, and means for periodically reversing the rotary movementof said brushes.

7 In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a wheel provided with a cam groove, carried by saidframework, a movable shaft positioned above and adapted to move down inthe cam groove of said wheel, a support secured to said shaft, ahorizontal movable plate carried by said support, means for rotatingsaid wheel and thereby moving said shaft, and a brush positionedcontiguous to said plate.

8. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a horizontal wheel provided with a cam groove, carried bysaid framework, a vertically movable shaft positioned above and be ingcapable of moving down in the roove of said cam wheel, a grooved supportfixedly secured to the upper end of said shaft, a horizontally movableplate positioned within the grooved portion of said support, means forrotating said Wheel and thereby moving said shaft, and a brushpositioned contiguous to said movable plate.

9. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a horizontal wheel carried by said framework, said wheelbeing provided with a cam groove, a vertically movable shaft carried bysaid framework, a wheel secured tosaid shaft, said wheel normally inengagement with said first mentioned wheel and capable of travelingwithin its cam groove, a horizontal support fixedly secured to the upperend of said shaft, a reciprocating plate carried by said support, meansfor synchronously rotating said first mentioned wheel and horizontallymoving said plate, and a brush secured contiguous to said plate.

10. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a plurality of transversely movable slides carried by saidframework rotatory brushes carried by said slides, a disk securedcontiguous to the central slides, said disk being provided with camslots, pins carried by said central slides and extending through the camslots of said disk, a rod connecting each of said pins and an outerslide, a lever carried by said framework and pivotally secured to saiddisk, a revoluble shaft carried by said framework, and an arm carried bysaid shaft and pivoted to said lever.

. 11. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, a support carried thereby, of a plurality of transverselymovable slides carried by said framework, rotatable brushes carried bysaid slides, rods, each rod connected to two of said slides, and meansfor synchronously adjusting said rods and thereby moving said slides.

said framework contiguous to the ends of said support, laterallyadjustable brushes carried upon said framework contiguous to the sldesof sa1d support, means for synchronously rotating all of said brushes,and

means for reversing movement of said horizontal brush.

13. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a vertically and horizontally movable boot or shoe supportcarried by said framework, a vertical, stationary brush carried by saidframework contiguous to the heel portion of said support, a horizontalbrush carried by said framework above said support, slidable brushespositioned upon said framework contiguous to the sides of said support,means for synchronously rotating all of said brushes, and means forreversing movement of said horizontal brush.

14. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of horizontally movable slides carried by said framework,means connecting said slides for moving the same synchronously, a pairof movable shoe supports carried by said framework, each shoe supporthaving a slide positioned on each side thereof, a lever carried by saidframework and connected to said means for operating the same, a brushcarried by each of said slides, and means for actuating said lever foradjusting said slides.

15. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of horizontally movable slides carried by said framework, acam disk carried by said framework, means connecting the camconstruction of said disk with said slides, moving said slides when saiddisk is moved, a lever fulerumed upon said framework and pivotallyconnected to said disk means for moving said lever, brushes carried bysaid slides, and shoe supports carried by said framework, and positionedcontiguous to said brushes and slides.

16. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of movable slides carried by said framework, a disk providedwith cam slots, pins carried by the central slides and extending throughthe cam slots of said disk, means connecting each of said pins and anouter slide, means for actuating said disk and thereby adjusting saidslides, a brush carried by each of said slides, and supporting meanscarried by said framework and positioned contiguous to said brushes andslides.

17. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a frame-work,reciprocating shoe supports carried by said framework,

means for vertically moving said supports, laterally movable slidescarried by said frame-work contiguous to said supports, a brush carriedby each of said slides, and means connected with said slides foradjusting the same.

18. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework of a vertically movable shoe support, means for moving saidsupport, a vertically positioned brush carried by said frameworkcontiguous to said support, a horizontally mounted brush carried by saidframework above said support, and means for driving and reversing themovement of said horizontally mounted brush.

19. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a framework, brush earrying slides, a vertically disposed rotatable regulatingshaft, means connecting said .slides and shaft for adjusting said slideswhen rotary movement is imparted to said shaft, a brush carried by eachof said slides, a shoe-support positioned contiguous to said brushes andmeans for rotating said brushes.

20. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframe-work, of a horizontal wheel provided with a rim, said rim, beingprovided with a cam groove, a vertically movable member normallyengaging said rim, and capable of traveling in the grooved portionthereof, a longitudinally movable plate supported upon said movablemember, means for rotating said wheel and moving said plate, and arotatable brush carried by said frame-work, and positioned contiguous tosaid plate.

21. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a horizontal cam wheel carried thereby, a verticallymovable shaft carried by the framework and normally resting upon thewheel, a horizontally movable shoe support carried by the shaft, brushescarried by the framework, means for moving said brushes, and means forreciprocating the shoe support for moving a shoe positioned on saidsupport whereby each of said brushes is adapted to act on differentparts of said shoe.

22. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a shoe support, a wheel provided with a cam groove carriedby said framework, a movable shaft positioned above said wheel andadapted to move down in the cam-groove of said wheel said shaft beingsecured to said shoe support, means for rotating said wheel for raisingand. lowering said shaft and brushes positioned contiguous to saidsupport.

2". In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of a wheel carried by said framework, said wheel beingprovided with a cam-groove, a vertically movable shaft carried by saidframeork, a Wheel secured to said shaft, said wheel normally engagingsaid first-mentioned wheel and capable of engaging said cam-groove, asupport fixedly secured to the upper end of said shaft, a reciprocatingplate carried by said support and a brush secured contiguous to saidplate.

24. In a device of the character described the combination With aframework of cleaning and polishing brushes, a shoe support, means forreciprocating said shoe support, means for rotating said brushes, a cam,means for connecting said cam with said shoe support whereby said shoesupport is lowered at predetermined intervals, means for spraying polishupon the shoe placed upon said shoe support when said shoe support islowered by said cam.

25. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with aframework, of cleaning and polishing brushes, a shoe support, means forreciprocating the shoe support,

'means for rotating the brushes, means for ports, means for revolvingsaid brushes,f.

pipes partly surrounding said supports for spraying polish on shoespositioned on said supports, and means operated in timed relationship tothe movement of the support for turning on a polish in said pipe whensaid supports are lowered.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDWARD EVANOUS LINEBACK. Witnesses:

ALEXANDER F. W. LESLIE, HENRY L. CARTER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

